Until a few years ago, many customers didn’t feel comfortable buying on the Internet, and it was their last resort if they couldn’t find what they wanted in a physical store.

Nowadays, however, e-commerce has become the default shopping method for millions of users. Online payment systems have matured, security standards have improved dramatically, and user experience is now smoother than ever.

This is why it’s important to be aware of the latest eCommerce payment trends in 2025.

You know what they say: “adapt or die.” Do you want to know about the new online payment methods?

Here—don’t fall behind.

What are the main payment methods nowadays?

Let’s start with a definition. Payment methods —also known as payment gateways— are different ways in which buyers can have their money delivered to us when making a purchase.

A customer is fascinated by your product and wants to acquire it. They add it to their cart, go through the checkout and reach the ‘payment method’ screen. The ideal thing here is to offer several options and have the customer choose the most convenient one for them.

The more options they have, the easiest it will be to select the method they like the most and so, the chances of them ending up buying the product increase. 

Nowadays, payment methods have diversified (and this trend keeps on the rise). Before we get into it, though, it wouldn’t hurt to go over the existing payment methods that will still be used for a few more years. 

Research shows that the availability of multiple payment options significantly boosts conversion rates. For example, a recent report found that retailers offering four or more express checkout methods achieved a 67% conversion rate, compared to only 54% for those offering just a single payment option.

1. Paypal

Users demanded safe payment methods on the Internet and, because of that, PayPal emerged; a platform that allows you to pay and get paid without having to share banking details. How is it inconvenient for e-commerce?

You need to pay PayPal a commission fee every time a payment is made using this method. However, how many potential clients would you lose if it weren’t for this payment method? In fact, many users buy exclusively from stores that offer this payment method because it is the only one they know and trust.

2. Debit and credit card

While debit and credit cards continue to be widely accepted and trusted, their share in online purchases is gradually being eroded by digital wallets and newer payment methods. According to recent research:

In practice, when you accept debit or credit card payments you are still using a virtual POS (Point of Sale) system to enable remote bank card transactions. And yes—in most cases—you’ll still incur a commission or processing fee for each payment processed.

3. Bank Transfer

Although less common today, bank transfers are still used—especially by customers who prefer more traditional, manual methods.

These payments are slower because transfers may take hours or days to arrive, but they typically involve no commission fees for the seller.

4. Other Payment Methods

There are other payment methods such as:

  • Stripe: A major alternative to PayPal offering lower commissions and a modern, flexible API. In 2025, Stripe continues to expand with features like one-click checkout, saved payment methods, and local payment options.
  • Cash on Delivery: Still chosen by people who distrust online payments, although less common each year. It remains useful in certain regions or demographics.

As you can see, it’s convenient having different payment methods so that the buyer can choose.

For example, the possibility of paying with PayPal could put an end to a customer’s rejection of inserting their bank card details and encourage them to buy.

What are the new e-commerce payment trends in 2025?

You already know the most common payment gateways nowadays.

But payment methods keep evolving and diversifying so that they can:

  • Offer the customer a comfortable and accessible experience.
  • Guarantee safe online transactions.
  • Save time by making the purchase process faster.

The trends you will learn next have arisen taking into account one or more of the following premises.

Let’s see them!

1. Mobile Wallets & Instant Payments

Smartphones are now the main shopping device, and they have become digital wallets too.

In Europe, instant payment systems like Bizum, Swish, and Sofort continue to grow. Globally, digital wallets such as Apple Pay, Google Wallet, and Samsung Pay dominate mobile checkout.

These methods offer:

  • Instant transactions
  • Higher security through tokenization
  • Biometric authentication
  • Faster checkout (one click or one tap)

In 2025, mobile wallet payments are expected to surpass traditional card payments in many markets.

2. Invisible & One-Click Payments

Invisible payments remove friction at checkout by letting users pay without re-entering information.

Examples include:

  • Amazon’s 1-Click Purchase
  • Stored payments in apps like Uber, food delivery services, or subscription apps
  • Click & Collect, where customers pay online and simply pick up in store

These systems are designed to skip unnecessary steps, making the checkout almost “invisible.”

In 2025, many stores are integrating one-tap checkout buttons powered by Stripe Link, Shop Pay, PayPal OneTouch, and Apple Pay.

3. BNPL (Buy Now Pay Later) Solutions

 BNPL stands for “buy now, pay later”.

It’s a new payment method that little by little has made its way in the market.

BNLP platforms allow you to buy immediately and pay for the product later.

An example of a BNPL payment method is Afterpay.

This platform contains different e-commerce businesses, including renowned brands such as Reebok, Adidas or Pandora.

Once you access any given store through Afterpay, the purchase process will be the same and the only thing that changes is that when going through the checkout, you’ll see the option of not paying while making the purchase. This platform’s conditions are:

  • The first payment takes place 2 weeks after the purchase.
  • Then you make 3 more payments with a margin of 2 weeks in between each.

The platform presents itself as an interest-free payment method, as long as you don’t lag behind with payment deadlines.

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4. Split Payment

Interest-free installments, very popular back in the day, are now being used in online shopping. 

Many e-commerce and marketplaces have incorporated installment payments. In fact, it is proven that such a system increases conversion rates, especially in expensive products that would otherwise be inaccessible for many users.

Amazon, for instance, enables this payment method in purchases between €75 and €1,000, paying in 4 installments and charging for the first one of them one day after the product has been shipped. 

But how does this system work?

There are other platforms financing the purchase. In Amazon’s case, that’s COFIDIS, but there are many other financing platforms for e-commerce businesses. Decathlon UK, for instance, offers you the option of paying in 3 installments through Klarna.

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You, as an e-commerce, receive the product’s cost instantly, and the financing platform will then manage payments with the customer.

5. Biometric Systems

What’s with the weird name?

Biometric systems are digital readers that are capable of identifying people through specific physical traits.

Among the emerging technologies in this field there are:

  • Fingerprint identification.
  • Face recognition.
  • Speech recognition.
  • Iris recognition.

Naturally, you have heard of some of them. For example, fingerprint biometrics are pretty common to “sign” for certain online payments, thus proving your identity.

Beyond PIN-code systems or passwords, biometric technologies take it up a notch in terms of security. Also, they allow you to buy in a faster way.

6. Social Commerce

Social networks are increasingly allowing you to sell through them. It is the so-called social commerce. What’s new about it?

Until recently, you could direct potential customers through social media to your store in order to close the sale over there. Now you can skip this step and make customers buy directly on platforms such as Facebook or Instagram, by simply clicking “buy”. 

Did you know these payment methods?

Were you aware of these new payment trends? As you can see, all these trends aim at making the purchase process shorter and safer. What’s more, the final goal of these payment methods is to make the payment phase “invisible”, completely changing the shopping experience.

So, no matter whether you have a small or big e-commerce, be on the lookout for upcoming trends so you can adapt to changes and don’t lag behind. 😉